KVM switch system with a simplified external controller

ABSTRACT

A KVM switch system with external control functionality is described. A KVM switch is able to be controlled from an external device. The external device can either include a single button dedicated to controlling the desktop KVM switch or indicate a state of the KVM switch. The external device can be connected to the desktop KVM switch through a plurality of communication media. The external device can be small in size and attached to an object on a user&#39;s desktop.

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates to a simplified external controller forcontrolling a KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) switch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following description, given with respect to the attached drawings,may be better understood with reference to the non-limiting examples ofthe drawing, wherein the drawings show:

FIG. 1: a prior art single user desktop KVM switch with an onboardselection mechanism;

FIG. 2: a prior art single user desktop KVM switch system that supportsmultiple keyboards;

FIG. 3: a prior art single user desktop KVM switch system that supportsan external keypad;

FIG. 4: a prior art desktop KVM switch system with an external selectionmechanism where the external selection mechanism interfaces all of theuser's KVM devices;

FIG. 5: a prior art KVM switch system where multiple users' KVM devicesare connected directly to the KVM switch;

FIG. 6: a prior art KVM switch system where multiple users are connectedto the KVM switch through user stations;

FIG. 7: a prior art KVM switch system where a remote terminal can accessthe switch through a network;

FIG. 8: an exemplary embodiment of a KVM switch system with an externalcontroller;

FIG. 9: an exemplary external controller;

FIG. 10: an exemplary block diagram of an exemplary external controller;

FIG. 11: an exemplary external controller built-into a mouse pad;

FIG. 12: an alternative exemplary embodiment of a KVM switch system withan external controller;

FIG. 13 a: a KVM switch system incorporating an alternative exemplaryexternal controller;

FIG. 13 b: a KVM switch system incorporating an alternative exemplaryexternal controller;

FIG. 13 c: an exemplary block diagram of an exemplary externalcontroller;

FIG. 14: an exemplary embodiment of a KVM switch system with externalcontrollers;

FIG. 15: an exemplary KVM switch system incorporating an externalcontroller and a micro-receiver;

FIG. 16: an exemplary external controller with a micro-receiver;

FIG. 17: a block diagram of an exemplary micro-receiver;

FIG. 18: a diagram illustrating various ways to configure a KVM switchsystem with an external controller and a micro-receiver; and

FIG. 19: an exemplary KVM switch system incorporating an externalcontroller and a micro-receiver.

INTRODUCTION

Desktop KVM (Keyboard, Video, and Mouse) switches are designed to allowa single user control of multiple PCs (targets) using a single keyboard,monitor, and mouse. Desktop KVM switches can be designed to interfacewith either PS/2 or USB type control devices and can be designed toallow a user control of any number of targets through such connections.Desktop KVM switches control a target by simply providing a connectionbetween the target's KVM ports and a user's respective keyboard,monitor, and mouse. Examples of such KVM switches are Avocent KVMswitches sold under the trademark SWITCHVIEW. SwitchView KVM switchesare described in submitted document entitled “SwitchView Desktop KVMSwitches,” published by Avocent 2005, Document No. 1105-SV-BRO, which isincorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIG. 1 shows a prior art 4-port desktop KVM switch 100 capable ofcontrolling four targets. Switch 100 receives video signals fromrespective targets (not shown) at video ports 104 and accesses keyboardand mouse ports from respective targets at ports 106. Switch 100 allowsa user to control a designated target by coupling the communication pathfrom a selected target interfaced at 104 and 106 to user KVM port 102.KVM port 102 includes a video connection, a keyboard connection, and amouse connection. Such switches include an onboard control interface 108which typically includes a display 108 a. Typically displays, as shownfor display 108 a, consist of an LED for each target device KVM port,where an illuminated LED indicates that the corresponding KVM port isbeing coupled to port 102 and as such a corresponding target is beingcontrolled by the user.

Such switches are typically designed to be placed within reach of theuser (e.g. on a desktop) so that a user can switch which target is beingcontrolled using an onboard control mechanism 108 b. Control mechanism108 b is typically a select button that when pressed cycles through KVMports corresponding to the targets. U.S. Pat. No. 6,073,188 to Fleming,which is incorporated by reference in its entirety, discloses a KVMswitch with an onboard control interface for controlling which target iscoupled to the user and a display indicating which target device iscoupled to the user. Other KVM switch boxes with on-board displays havealso been manufactured and sold in prior art switches of AvocentCorporation of Huntsville, Ala. and its predecessors Apex ComputerProducts of Redmond, Wash. and Cybex Corporation products of Huntsville,Ala.

In addition to using the control mechanism 108 b to switch betweentargets, some prior art desktop KVM switches enable the user to switchbetween targets at the user station with the user's keyboard by usinghotkey commands. For example, a user may switch to a target by pressingthe ScrLk Key twice and then pressing a number (1-4) corresponding tothe set of KVM ports a target is connected to.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,721,842 to Beasley, which is commonly owned by theassignee of the present application, Avocent Corporation of Huntsville,Ala., and is incorporated by reference in its entirety, describes a KVMswitch that can be controlled at a user station by using hotkey commandsin combination with a graphical user interface that is displayed on theuser's monitor. Beasley describes that the user can switch which targetdevice is coupled to the user's KVM port by using a keystroke (PrintScreen key) to activate an onscreen menu and selecting a command fromthe onscreen menu.

Hotkey commands have the drawback of requiring a user to memorize asequence of keystrokes or have access to a reference which specifieswhich keystrokes correspond to which functions. Hotkeys also suffer fromthe drawback that the user may inadvertently activate a hotkey commandthrough keystrokes that occur within the normal course of controlling atarget. Further, when the switch 100 is not within the user's view, theuser is unable to use the display 108 a to confirm which target iscoupled to the KVM port 102, which could cause a user to inadvertentlycontrol the wrong target.

Although hotkey commands incorporating a graphical user interfacedisplayed on the user's monitor have been highly successful andcommercially advantageous, especially in medium and large scaleinstallations, when the graphical user interface is displayed it must beoverlayed on the image being displayed on the user's monitor and as suchmight obscure important information. For small installations (such as1×2 and 1×4), using a graphical user interface to switch which target isbeing controlled is not as simple as using an onboard control interfacesince a user must enter keystrokes and then select a target from a menuas opposed to just manipulating a physical access mechanism. Further,hotkey commands incorporating a graphical user interface require sometype of video output generating circuit to create the graphical userinterface which adds significant cost to the switch system, especiallywhere USB peripheral devices are supported.

The following paragraphs and accompanying FIGS. 2-7 describe additionalprior art KVM switch systems and the ways that such systems allow for auser to be connected to a target.

FIG. 2 shows a prior art single user KVM switch 200 with a plurality ofkeyboard and mouse connections where each of a plurality of targets 112is connected to switch 200 via respective KVM connections 114 a, 114 b,114 c, and 114 d. KVM switch 200 is similar to KVM switch 100 describedin accordance with FIG. 1 and is designed for a single user. Switch 200does not provide multiple monitor connections, but provides multiplesets of keyboard and mouse connections—typically a set of PS/2 ports anda USB port to allow a user to connect either type of keyboard/mousedevices. Since switch 200 has two sets of ports, a user can connectmultiple keyboards to switch 200 simultaneously. Although KVM switch 200allows a user to have multiple keyboards connected to KVM switch 200simultaneously (with one keyboard controlling a target and the otherswitching which target is being controlled), KVM switch 200 does notsolve the drawbacks of hotkey commands and has the additional drawbackthat two keyboards may clutter the user's workspace 110. Further,standard keyboards will not provide the user with an indication as towhich target is being controlled. An example of such a switch is theAvocent SWITCHVIEW MM1/MM2 switches which are described in submitteddocument entitled “SwitchView Desktop KVM Switches” published by AvocentCorporation in 2005, Document No. 1105-SV-BRO, which is incorporated byreference in its entirety.

FIG. 3 shows a prior art single user KVM switch 300 with a plurality ofkeyboard and mouse connections where each of a plurality of targets 112is connected to switch 300 via respective KVM connections 114 a, 114 b,114 c, and 114 d. KVM switch 300 includes an auxiliary port (not shown)for connecting external keypad 308. Auxiliary port of KVM switch 300 isan RJ-45 port. External keypad 308 allows the user to switch whichtarget device is being controlled without using the keyboard. Keypad 308does not include a display indicating which of the targets 112 the useris controlling. Examples of such KVM switches are KVM switches that weresold under the under the name Apex Outlook. Apex Outlook KVM switchesare described in submitted document entitled “Outlook User Guide” FourthEdition, August 1998, which is incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,499,377 to Lee, which is incorporated by reference inits entirety, describes a desktop KVM switch where a user can switchwhich target is being controlled by using a control mechanism that issimilar to the onboard control interface 108 described in accordancewith FIG. 1. That control mechanism is on a selector device that isexternal to the KVM switch. The selector device described in Lee islocated intermediate to the user and the KVM switch and interfaces allof the user's KVM devices and the switch. The selector device in Leeincludes circuitry that allows a user to adjust the color intensity ofthe video signal. FIG. 4 shows an exemplary prior art switch whereselector 408 comprises a rocker switch 408 b that allows the user tocontrol the switch 400 and a display 408 a that displays which target iscoupled to the user's workspace 110. Selector 408 is connected to switch400 via cable 416 which comprises KVM cables and a data cable forcontrol signals. Selector 408 is also connected directly to all of theuser's KVM devices. Selector 408 includes circuitry for adjusting theintensity level of the received video signals. Intensity levels areadjusted with color dials 408 c. Such a configuration is disadvantageousbecause it limits where selector 408 can be placed and requires selector408 to have ports and circuitry for respective KVM cables which addscosts to the selector 408.

FIG. 5 shows a KVM switch 500 that supports two local users, with oneuser using workspace 110 a and the other user using workspace 110 b.Switch 500 allows each user to switch which target is being controlledby using hotkey commands and an accompanying graphical user interface asdescribed in accordance with FIG. 1. In addition, switch 500 providesthe additional functionality of allowing a user to view which target theother user is connected to and to disconnect the other user from thetarget using the graphical user interface. Examples of such KVM switchesare Avocent KVM switches sold under the trademark AUTOVIEW. AutoView KVMswitches are described in submitted document entitled “AutoView2020/2030 Installer/User Guide” published by Avocent Corporation in2005, Document No. 590-495-501A, which is incorporated by reference inits entirety.

FIG. 6 shows a KVM switch 600 that is similar to KVM switch 500 in thatswitch 600 supports multiple users. KVM switch 600 differs from switch500 in that users are connected to switch 600 through user stations 620a and 620 b. Through the user stations a user can either connect ordisconnect another user from a target by entering a command specifyingthe user and the target. An example of such KVM switches are Avocent KVMswitches sold under the AMX trademark. AMX KVM switches are described insubmitted document entitled “AMX Switch Series Installer/User Guide”published by Avocent Corporation in 2006, Document No. 590-222-501K,which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a KVM switch 700 that has a network interface700 a which allows switch 700 to be accessed by a remote terminal 730via network 720. Remote terminal 730 uses a graphical user interface tochange which target the user workspace 110 is connected to. Sincemultiple switches 700 can be connected to network 720, when remoteterminal 730 accesses KVM switch 700 via network 720 control informationsent from remote terminal 730 must be logically addressed to KVM switch700. To send and receive logically addressed information the systemrequires the appropriate hardware/software which adds cost to thesystem.

In addition to the KVM switches described above some KVM switches thatallow remote access include a setup port for allowing a local terminalto configure a KVM switch. Known setup ports provide only limitedcontrol of the KVM switch such as initial network settings and the likeand do not control which targets are coupled to a user device. Examplesof such KVM switches are Avocent KVM switches sold under the DSRtrademark. The setup port of a DSR switch is described in chapter threeof submitted document entitled “DSR Switch Installer/User Guide”published by Avocent Corporation in 2005, Document No. 590-419-501B,which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Although the KVM switches described above offer many alternative waysfor a user to be connected to a target device without using an onboardcontrol mechanism, none provide the user with a low cost mechanism toswitch between targets or otherwise control a KVM switch when the switchis not within reach that is simple to use, not prone to inadvertentswitching, easily placed within a user's workspace, and providesconfirmation as to which target is being controlled.

Thus, it is desirable to provide a user with a low cost mechanism thatallows switching between targets or provides other control functions toa desktop KVM switch when the switch is not within reach that is: simpleto use, not prone to inadvertent switching, easily placed within auser's workspace, and provides confirmation as to which target is beingcontrolled.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 8 shows KVM switch 800 that is similar to KVM switch 100 whereswitch 800 receives video signals from respective targets (not shown) atvideo ports 104 and accesses keyboard and mouse ports from respectivetargets at ports 106 and allows a user to control a designated target bycoupling the communication path from a selected target interfaced at 104and 106 to user KVM port 102. It should be noted that although user'svideo, keyboard, and mouse ports are shown as a VGA port, a USB port,and a USB port respectively, this is not intended to be limiting andsimilar types of ports could be used as would be appreciated by one ofordinary skill in the art, e.g. keyboard ports and mouse port could bePS/2 ports. It should also be noted that keyboard and mouse can bebundled so that switch 800 has a single port for a keyboard and mouse ofa respective target (e.g. combining keyboard and mouse into a single USBconnection) and that video, keyboard, and mouse can be bundled so thatswitch 800 has a single port for each target device.

KVM switch 800 differs from KVM switch 100 in that KVM switch 800 doesnot include an onboard control interface. Instead KVM switch 800includes an external control interface 840 that allows externalcontroller 850 to communicate with KVM switch 800 via communicationmedium 860. KVM communication interface 840 is typically a USB port andthe communication medium 860 is typically a USB cable, but alternativetypes could be used. For example, interface 840 could be any type ofinterface that allows external controller 850 to communicate with switch800 including but not limited to: a CAT5 connection, twisted pairconnection, a single wire connection, a coax cable connection, anoptical connection, an IR connection or any other type of wirelessconnection. Moreover, communication medium 860 could be any mediumcompatible with the chosen interface i.e. the appropriate cabling or, inthe event of wireless communication, simply air. It should be noted thatcommunication medium 860 may also provide power to external controller850 from KVM switch 800, when the type of communication medium 860 (e.g.USB cable) is capable of providing power. In the event thatcommunication medium 860 cannot provide power to external controller 850from KVM switch 800, external controller 850 must receive its power fromanother source. In this instance, external controller 850 wouldtypically receive power from batteries within the external controller850, from another device, or from an alternative power supply such as atransformer.

As shown in FIG. 8, external controller 850 includes exemplary controlmechanism 850 b (similar to control mechanism 108 b) and a select buttonthat allows the user to cycle through the targets. Likewise, exemplarydisplay 850 a (similar to display 108 a) includes an illuminated LEDcorresponding to a target indicating that the target is coupled to theuser.

It should be noted that although control mechanism 850 b of externalcontroller 850 is shown with a single button that cycles throughtargets, this is for exemplary purposes only. Control mechanism 850 b ofexternal controller 850 can include alternative configurations thatprovide the same or additional functionality. For example, externalcontroller 850 could have rocker or accordion switches, eachcorresponding to a KVM port where, when a switch is depressed thecorresponding KVM port is coupled to the port 102. As an alternative,the external controller 850 could have buttons in addition to the selectbutton that provide control functions to the switch 800. Any combinationof known KVM switch commands (e.g. reset, autoscan, etc.) can beincorporated into external controller 850.

It should also be noted that exemplary display 850 a is shown as a setof LEDs for exemplary purposes only. Display 850 a is not limited to aset of LEDs and could be any appropriate display mechanism. Display 850a could be a seven segment LED display where a number representing whichtarget is coupled to the user is displayed or a small LCD display thatgraphically represents which target is coupled to the user. Further,display 850 a could be configured to display more information thansimply which target is coupled to the user e.g. whether switch 800 isscanning or the status of other switch functions. Display 850 a couldalso incorporate control mechanism 850 b e.g. providing both functionsthrough a touch screen.

External controller 850 also includes communication interface 850 c thatis similar to communication interface 840 in that it interfaces externalcontroller 850 to communication medium 860. Communication interface 850c can be any type of communication interface compatible withcommunication medium 860. It should be noted that communicationinterface 840 and communication interface 850 c need not be the sametype. For example, a wireless transmitter can be built into externalcontroller 850 and communication interface 840 can be a USB port thatinterfaces communications medium 860 with a USB receiver. This issimilar to a wireless mouse communicating with a PC via the PC's USBport where the wireless mouse transmits signals to a receiver docked tothe PC's USB port.

It should be noted that external controller 850 is typically designed tocommunicate only with KVM switch 800 and as such, information sent fromthe external controller 850 to switch 800 need not be logicallyaddressed.

FIG. 9 shows an alternative exemplary embodiment of an externalcontroller 850. In FIG. 9, display 850 a is a display that uses a GUI toindicate which targets are connected to the user station. In FIG. 9,control mechanism 850 b is shown as a navigation pad that allows a userto select commands displayed on display 850 a. It should be noted thatexternal controllers used to control switch 800 can incorporate anycombination of the displays and access mechanisms described inaccordance with FIGS. 8 and 9.

FIG. 10 shows an exemplary block diagram of external controller 850. Inaddition to elements of external controller 850 previously described,FIG. 10 shows microprocessor 850 d and display controller 850 d.Microprocessor 850 d processes commands received from user, communicateswith interface, and sends display information to display controller 850e. Display controller 850 e allows display 850 a to be updated as wouldbe appreciated be one of ordinary skill in the art.

External controller 850 is typically designed to be smaller than KVMswitch 800 while still being large enough so that a user can manipulateit. External controller 850 is typically small enough to comfortably fitwithin one's pocket. External controller 850 can also include anadhesive (not shown) on a side which is not the side with display 850 aso that external controller 750 can be adhered to an object within theuser's workspace (e.g. a display or a keyboard while still allowing theuser to view the display). The adhesive can be designed to providepermanent attachment (e.g. glue) or temporary/removable attachment (e.g.a Velcro strip, a magnet, a suction cup, a clip, or any other suitablemechanical or chemical means). When external controller 850 is designedto adhere to an object on a user's desktop (e.g. a user's display),external controller 850 should be small enough as to be discreet.Further, external controller 850 can be built into objects that areplaced within a user's workspace. FIG. 11 shows an external controller850 built into a mouse pad.

FIG. 12 shows an alternative embodiment of a KVM switch that, like KVMswitch 100, includes: (1) video ports 104 that receive target videosignals, (2) ports 106 that receive keyboard and mouse signals, (3) auser KVM port 102, and (4) an onboard control interface 108. KVM switch900 also incorporates the external control functionality of KVM switch800. That is, KVM switch 900 comprises a communication interface 840,communication medium 860, and an external controller 850. Thus, KVMswitch 900 provides all the functionality of KVM switch 100 but can alsobe controlled remotely, like KVM switch 800, if a user desires. Itshould be noted that although onboard control interface 108 and externalcontroller 850 are both shown as having a set of LEDs and a selectbutton, this is for exemplary purposes only and not intended to belimiting. Display 108 a and/or control mechanism 108 b of onboardcontrol interface 108 do not need to be the same as display 850 a andcontrol mechanism 850 b of external controller 850. Display 108 a,control mechanism 108 b, display 850 a, and control mechanism 850 b canbe any combination of types of displays and control mechanisms describedabove. For example, display 108 a may be a seven segment display anddisplay 850 a may be a set of LEDs where both control mechanisms includea select button. It should be noted that KVM switch 900, like any of theKVM switch embodiments described above, does not need to include hotkeycontrol, but can optionally include hotkey control.

FIG. 13 a shows a KVM switch system with an alternative externalcontroller 950. External controller 950 is designed to interface auser's keyboard or be built into a user's keyboard. External controller950 includes display 850 a, selection mechanism 850 b, and interface 850c which are similar to respective parts described in accordance withexternal controller 850. External controller 950 also includes interface850 f which allows controller 950 to interface a user's keyboard. Bybeing directly coupled to or built into a user's keyboard, externalcontroller 950 is within a user's reach but does not have the drawbacksof hotkey commands and provides the additional benefit of indicatingwhich target a user is connected to. Further, by only interfacing auser's keyboard and not a user's monitor or mouse, controller 950 can bemore easily placed at various locations on a user's desktop. It shouldalso be noted that external controller 950 can be interfaced or be builtinto a user's mouse as an alternative to being interfaced or built intothe user's keyboard. FIG. 13 c shows a block diagram of externalcontroller 950.

FIG. 13 b shows a KVM switch system that is similar to the KVM switchsystem described in accordance with FIG. 13 a where external controller950 interfaces user's keyboard and mouse. The KVM switch system shown inFIG. 13 b is particularly advantageous when keyboard and mouse come froma common connection as is the case with USB type devices.

It should be noted that although the exemplary embodiments have beendescribed in accordance with a 4-to-1 desktop KVM switch (4 targets, 1user) such a description is for exemplary purposes only. It should beappreciated that a desktop KVM switch with any number of targets andnumber of users could be used. Where the desktop KVM switch incorporatesmultiple users, each user could be provided an external controller.

FIG. 14 shows an exemplary embodiment where multiple users are connectedto a KVM switch and each user has an external controller within theirrespective workspace. The KVM devices of each workspace 110 a, 110 b,and 110 c are connected to KVM switch 1000 through standard connectionsas described in accordance with FIG. 1. Each workspace is shownincluding respective external controllers 850, 850, and 950. It shouldbe noted that any combination of types of external controllers could beused with switch 1000. When external controllers are used in amulti-user KVM switch the external controllers can be configured toallow users to control only which target their respective KVM devicesare connected to or the controllers can be configured to control whichtarget any of the other users are connected to.

It is also recognized that it would be useful to use externalcontrollers 850 and 950 with prior art KVM switches. FIGS. 15-18describe exemplary embodiments where an external controller 850 is usedwith a prior art KVM switch.

FIG. 15 shows where external controller 850 can control prior art KVMswitch 100 by passing supported switch commands through micro-receiver1050.

FIG. 16 shows a more detailed view of an exemplary micro-receiver 1050.Micro-receiver 1050 interfaces a user peripheral (e.g. a user keyboard)through a peripheral interface 1050 b (e.g. USB or PS/2 port).Micro-receiver 1050 also interfaces a KVM switch at KVM interface 1050 a(e.g. USB or PS/2 connector). Interfaces 1050 a and 1050 b transparentlypass communications between a user peripheral and a KVM passed throughthe micro receiver 1050. That is, the user peripheral and the KVM switchoperate as if they were directly connected. Micro-receiver 1050 alsocommunicates with external controller 850 through communication medium860, described above. The KVM switch is able to be controlled byexternal controller 850 by the micro-receiver 1050 receiving commandsfrom external controller 850 and passing those commands to the KVMswitch in an appropriate format.

FIG. 17 shows an exemplary block diagram of an exemplary micro-receiver1050 that illustrates how commands from an external controller 850 canbe received by a KVM switch. Commands are received from externalcontroller 850 at the communication interface 1050 c. Communicationinterface 1050 c is similar to control interface 840 described above andfor the sake of brevity will not be described herein. The receivedcommands are passed from communication interface 1050 c to translator1050 d. Translator 1050 d translates the commands into an appropriateform so they can be processed by the KVM switch. An example of thetranslation process is as follows: assuming a prior art KVM switchsupports hotkey commands, a command received at the communicationinterface 1050 c can be translated by translator 1050 d into the hotkeycommand corresponding to the received command and passed to the KVMswitch at KVM switch interface 1050 a. In the example described above,the micro-receiver 1050 spoofs the KVM switch that all received commands(including hotkey commands) are generated from a keyboard that isdirectly connected to the KVM switch.

For an external controller 850 to command a prior art KVM switch, theKVM switch must be capable of accepting such a command through aperipheral port and micro-receiver 1050 must be able to transfercommands from external controller 850 in a compatible format for thespecific prior art KVM switch. Thus, reconfiguration of micro-receiver1050 and/or KVM switch is required. For example, if a KVM switch canexecute commands through hotkeys sequences, the micro-receiver 1050 mustbe programmed to use these sequences, This requires reconfiguration asdifferent KVM switches may have different hotkey sequences for the samefunction.

FIG. 18 shows a diagram illustrating various ways to configure a KVMswitch system with an external controller and a micro-receiver. FIG. 18shows four alternative methods. Methods 1, 2, and 3 show configurationof micro-receiver 1050. Thus, methods 1, 2, and 3 only requireconfiguration of micro-receiver 1050. In method 1, a user is able toconfigure micro-receiver through a PC. An example of how this can occuris as follows: micro-receiver 1050 is coupled to a PC using KVMinterface 1050 a (e.g. plugging micro-receiver into USB port of a PC)and the user programs the micro-receiver 1050 using software on the PC.For example, the software can allow the user to specify the model numberof a KVM switch and the PC will program the micro-receiver 1050accordingly.

In method 2, the user configures the micro-receiver 1050 using externalcontroller 850. An example of this method is the user manipulating thecontrol interface of the external controller 850 as to indicate themodel of the KVM switch. After the model is indicated micro-receiver1050 is configured in a manner similar to that of method 1. Oncemicro-receiver 1050 is configured, it may not be necessary to configurethe KVM switch, for example, when KVM switch supports all necessarycommands through hotkeys sequences or the like.

In method 3, the user configures the micro-receiver 1050 using akeyboard connected to the micro-receiver 1050. This can be achieved byusing a hotkey sequence to specify a particular KVM switch or by usinghotkey sequences to program individual commands of the micro-receiver1050.

Methods 4 and 5 show configuration of a KVM switch. In method 4, afirmware update of the KVM switch allows KVM switch to process commandsfrom micro-receiver 1050. This process is similar to updating keyboardand mouse drivers in a KVM switch so a KVM switch is compatible with anew device.

In method 5, micro-receiver 1050 is automatically programmed when it isinserted into the KVM switch. That is, micro-receiver 1050 polls KVMswitch for identification information and KVM switch responses to thepoll with its identification information. After identificationinformation is indicated micro-receiver 1050 is configured in a mannersimilar to that of method 1. After the model is indicated micro-receiver1050 is configured in a manner similar to that of method 1.

Once KVM switch is configured, it may not be necessary to configuremicro-receiver 1050, for example, when micro-receiver 1050 issuescommands to a KVM switch in a generic format. Any of the methodsdescribed above can be used in any number of combinations. For example,before method 4 can be implemented it may be required to update thefirmware of the KVM switch as described in method 3 (e.g. micro-receiverdoes not need to be configured or already is configured).

FIG. 19 shows an alternative embodiment of a micro-receiver 1060.Micro-receiver 1060 interfaces a user monitor (not shown) and the videoport of a prior art KVM switch 100. It should be noted thatmicro-receiver 1060 can interface a user monitor and KVM switch 100 bybeing connected at either end of a video cable, either near KVM switch100 or near the monitor. Micro-receiver 1060 responds to wirelesscommands received from external control 850 via communications medium860 (e.g., wirelessly) to temporarily or permanently superimpose via themonitor an indication of the status of the KVM switch (e.g. which targetthe user is connected to and/or whether the KVM switch is in scanningmode).

While the invention has been described in connection with what ispresently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment,it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to thedisclosed embodiment, but on the contrary, is intended to cover variousmodifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit andscope of the appended claims.

1. An external controller for use with a peripheral switch coupling userperipheral devices to a plurality of target devices, the externalcontroller comprising: a peripheral user input device interface forcoupling the external controller to the peripheral switch; a selectorswitch for requesting that the external controller change which of theplurality of target devices is connected to the user peripheral devices;control circuitry for commanding, via the peripheral user input deviceinterface, the peripheral switch to couple the user peripheral devicesto at least one of the plurality of target devices, using a command thatappears to the peripheral switch to have come from one of the userperipheral devices; and a display adapted to indicate which of theplurality of target devices is coupled to the user peripheral devicesthrough the peripheral switch, wherein the external controller does notinclude an interface for receiving video signals from the plurality oftarget devices.
 2. The external controller of claim 1, wherein saiddisplay comprises a series of LEDs.
 3. The external controller of claim1, wherein said display comprises an LCD display.
 4. The externalcontroller of claim 1, wherein said external controller is integratedinto a mouse pad.
 5. The external controller of claim 1, wherein saidselector switch and said display encompass substantially all of one faceof the external controller.
 6. The external controller of claim 1,wherein said control circuitry commands the peripheral switch to couplethe user peripheral devices to at least one of the plurality of targetdevices by converting an actuation of said selector switch into akeystroke sequence receivable by said peripheral switch for causing theperipheral switch to change which of plural target devices theperipheral switch connects the user peripheral devices to.
 7. Amicro-receiver comprising: a peripheral user input device interfaceadapted to couple a peripheral user input device to said micro-receiver;an output interface adapted to couple said micro-receiver to aperipheral user input device port of a KVM switch; circuitry for passingperipheral input device signals from the peripheral user input deviceattached to the peripheral user input device interface to the outputinterface in a computer peripheral format; a command interface, separatefrom the input interface, for receiving commands from an externalcontroller separate from the computer peripheral; and a converter forconverting commands received from the external controller and not fromthe computer peripheral to commands in a computer peripheral format thatcan be received by the KVM switch via the peripheral user input deviceport of the KVM switch and applying the converted commands to the outputinterface, such that the commands appear to the KVM switch to have comefrom the peripheral user input device.
 8. The micro-receiver of claim 7,wherein said converter is reprogrammable such that the converter canconvert commands received from the external controller into commandsthat can be received by a particular KVM switch of a plurality ofpossible KVM switches.
 9. The micro-receiver of claim 7, wherein saidconverter converts commands received by an external controller into akeystroke sequence receivable by the KVM switch for causing the KVMswitch to change which of plural target devices the KVM switch connectsthe peripheral user input device to.
 10. A peripheral switch systemcomprising: a peripheral switch coupling user peripheral devices to aplurality of target devices; an external controller for use with theperipheral switch coupling user peripheral devices to a plurality oftarget devices, the external controller comprising: a peripheral userinput device interface for coupling the external controller to theperipheral switch; a selector switch for requesting that the externalcontroller change which of the plurality of target devices is connectedto the user peripheral devices; control circuitry for commanding, viathe peripheral user input device interface, the peripheral switch tocouple the user peripheral devices to at least one of the plurality oftarget devices, using a command that appears to the peripheral switch tohave come from one of the user peripheral devices; and a display adaptedto indicate which of the plurality of target devices is coupled to theuser peripheral devices through the peripheral switch, wherein theexternal controller does not include an interface for receiving videosignals from the plurality of target devices.
 11. An external controllerfor use with a peripheral switch coupling user peripheral devices to aplurality of target devices, the external controller comprising: awireless communications interface for coupling the external controllerto the peripheral switch; a selector switch for requesting that theexternal controller change which of the plurality of target devices isconnected to the user peripheral devices; control circuitry forcommanding, via the wireless communications interface, the peripheralswitch to couple the user peripheral devices to at least one of theplurality of target devices; and a display adapted to indicate which ofthe plurality of target devices is coupled to the user peripheraldevices through the peripheral switch, wherein the external controllerdoes not include an interface for receiving video signals from theplurality of target devices.
 12. The external controller of claim 11,wherein said display comprises a series of LEDs.
 13. The externalcontroller of claim 11, wherein said display comprises an LCD display.14. The external controller of claim 11, wherein said externalcontroller is integrated into a mouse pad.
 15. The external controllerof claim 11, wherein said selector switch and said display encompasssubstantially all of one face of the external controller.
 16. Theexternal controller of claim 11, wherein said control circuitry commandsthe peripheral switch to couple the user peripheral devices to at leastone of the plurality of target devices by converting an actuation ofsaid selector switch into a keystroke sequence receivable by saidperipheral switch for causing the peripheral switch to change which ofplural target devices the peripheral switch connects the user peripheraldevices to.
 17. A micro-receiver comprising: an input interface adaptedto couple a computer peripheral to said micro-receiver in a computerperipheral format; an output interface adapted to couple saidmicro-receiver to a computer peripheral port of a KVM switch; a wirelesscommand interface, separate from the input interface, for receivingcommands from an external controller separate from the computerperipheral; and a converter for converting commands received from theexternal controller and not from the computer peripheral to commands ina computer peripheral format that can be received by a KVM switch viathe computer peripheral port of the KVM switch and applying theconverted commands to the output interface.
 18. The micro-receiver ofclaim 17, wherein said converter is reprogrammable such that theconverter can convert commands received from the external controllerinto commands that can be received by a particular KVM switch of aplurality of possible KVM switches.
 19. The micro-receiver of claim 17,wherein said converter converts commands received by an externalcontroller into a keystroke sequence receivable by a\the KVM switch forcausing the KVM switch to change which of plural target devices the KVMswitch connects the user peripheral devices to.